GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: DubaiGTI on 21 May 2013, 19:53
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Quick notes, typing on my iPhone on the move (not driving).
I just test drove the new GTI here in Dubai. Frankly, I was disappointed.
I respect most of the motoring press are raving about it, but I was left cold. Firstly, the looks. I think the current model is far prettier. The new car looks far too 'square'. It's lacking those smooth lines and curves of the existing model. The rear view is the best angle.
The interior looks over fussy, the steering wheel larger and not as chunky and sporty as the current version which I love. The finish feels less solid and plastic.
Steering feel is very light in comparison. Overly assisted in my opinion and not as weighted as the Mk 6. Car feels much lighter overall. Which it obviously is.
Engine noise is much improved and performance is more than decent. My remapped Mk 6 is quicker, but the new model remapped would be even quicker no question.
I went to the dealership yesterday with a view of upgrading. I won't. I'd rather go for the current R and remap it. Some decent deals on the R here at the moment including free insurance for one year and 5 years warranty.
I strongly suggest you test drive the Mk7 before committing.
Just my opinion of course.
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(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee371/Dubai5150/GTIMy_zpsf2ee1a0d.jpg) (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/Dubai5150/media/GTIMy_zpsf2ee1a0d.jpg.html)
(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee371/Dubai5150/GTInew_zps452f9487.jpg) (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/Dubai5150/media/GTInew_zps452f9487.jpg.html)
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Opinion duly noted, order still stands! I much prefer the looks of the new car, never did like the curves on the Mk6 relative to the Mk5 that I have now. If you think the interior of a the GTI looks overly fussy, you should take a look inside the Ford Focus!
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Looks are subjective, but I think the 7 GTI looks much better than the 6, lower, wider and more masculine IMO. It's funny you talk about the MK6 driving better when pretty much every review has said it's a big step forward, and in general a more accurate and fun drive.
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Hence my comment I respect most of the motoring journalists are raving about it.
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Hence my comment I respect most of the motoring journalists are raving about it.
Is it possible that you always had it in the back of your mind that you were going to go with the R anyway so the test drive probably wouldn't have swayed you regardless of the outcome?
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Not at all. In fact I've been a big fan of the GTI from the start. Just fancy a bit more oomph now, considering Dubai is full of long straights and limited bends.
Wish list, a Cayman R. :wink:
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As noted in my original post, my opinion.
Please reserve judgement and report back after you have had an opportunity to test drive the new car.
Look forward to your reviews.
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Not at all. In fact I've been a big fan of the GTI from the start. Just fancy a bit more oomph now, considering Dubai is full of long straights and limited bends.
Wish list, a Cayman R. :wink:
As someone said above the looks are subjective. In terms of performance, well you are going to feel slightly underwhelmed coming from a remapped Mk6 but as you say a remapped Mk7 would probably be even quicker (provided the LSD can handle the increased power). Obviously, being one of many on here who have already pre-ordered I hope that, with all due respect, the current reviews are more along the line than yours.
p.s. if you want a car with more oomph then the TTRS is far more of a beast than the Cayman given it's considerable tuning potential - 450+ bhp
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Opinion duly noted, order still stands! I much prefer the looks of the new car, never did like the curves on the Mk6 relative to the Mk5 that I have now. If you think the interior of a the GTI looks overly fussy, you should take a look inside the Ford Focus!
I think the interior of the new GTI looks overly fussy in comparison to the Mk6.
:smiley:
Focus :sick:
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Great little review btw. It's always good to hear a different perspective good or bad. Opinions will always be divided, but I can honestly say I prefer the 7 over my current 6.
I know where you're coming from with regards to steering feel and at first it felt strange & a bit weird but its a case of re-programming your brain & half an hour into the test drive I soon adapted.
Admittedly the interior quality ain't great, but its no more worse than the 6. Put it this way there's nothing offensive about the interior to put me off buying one.
I love the R, but I'm not that bothered by outright performance. If I wanted the quickest hot hatch on the block, I would have bought the M-lite (M135i) instead. The GTi is going to be used as my everyday runaround so I want something less frenetic & more economical.
I appreciate the new 7 ain't gonna be everyone's cup of tea, but for the majority it will tick most boxes.
Nice pics btw :cool:
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Cheers buddy.
Good night ALL from Dubai.
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I actually prefer the squarer lines to be honest. And the interior is just right - if you want fussy then have a go in a focus or a civic :sick:
You'll get no fussiness at all in a Cayman! Interiors are awful IMO for a car of that quality - so basic. Great car to drive though! Indeed, I did my record time home from work in a Cayman S once, so much fun! :cool:
Nice review, good to hear an opinion from someone who's actually driven it. :smiley:
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Interesting post from the OP which should be considered a valued opinion.
There have been similar feelings from the previous BMW 3 Series owners to the latest BMW F30 3 series.
I think these newer models have less overall 'noise' due to stiffer shells, with a greater attention being paid to noise and vibration. These more advanced platforms make these cars feel 'frictionless', something drivers of older cars 'feel' that these cars lack the 'fun' factor. At first it would seem so, but drive these newer and IMO more advanced and better models for a longer time and their depth of talents will shine through. It all requires a different kind of mindset to appreciate these cars. However, EVO Mag feels that the Mk6 is more 'involving'. I think they love the 'noise' of these older models.
The external look of the Mk7 GTI does leave me slightly cold and I do dislike the red lipstick through the headlights. But as with all things related to styling, I might get used to it under duress. I agree in part with the OP that the facia of the new model is fussy and for me the Mk6 GTI steering wheel looks better than that of the newer model. That Mk6 GTI steering wheel is a design tour de force and IMO never to be matched except by one other. The M Sport Steering wheel on the BMW F30 3 Series.
But one thing I may take a risk in saying: I would most probably prefer driving and owning the Mk7 GTI than the Mk6 GTI. I can also say, quite categorically, that I infinitely prefer my BMW F30 330d M Sport to the Mk6 GTI and most probably the Mk7 GTI.
ETTO.
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Do you have a 330d am1w? You've never mentioned that before :rolleyes: :laugh:
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Do you have a 330d am1w? You've never mentioned that before :rolleyes: :laugh:
Funnily enough I do and funnily enough a BMW F30 M3 next year. :drool:
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Do you have a 330d am1w? You've never mentioned that before :rolleyes: :laugh:
Funnily enough I do and funnily enough a BMW F30 M3 next year. :drool:
Great car, enjoy it. I prefer the M5 myself, the M3 has such a 'Essex' style about it these days unfortunately.
Maybe talk about it in a BMW forum though? Just a thought. :smiley:
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Back to the whole "Test Drive" topic... South Hereford VW put their demo on the road yesterday.
The salesman that I spoke to on the phone didn't know anything about it other than it is a manual in Night Blue.
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Right, thats it. I think I'm gonna swing by my local dealer on the way home from work and have a mooch around their car park.
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Do you have a 330d am1w? You've never mentioned that before :rolleyes: :laugh:
Funnily enough I do and funnily enough a BMW F30 M3 next year. :drool:
Great car, enjoy it. I prefer the M5 myself, the M3 has such a 'Essex' style about it these days unfortunately.
Maybe talk about it in a BMW forum though? Just a thought. :smiley:
:wink:
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Quick notes, typing on my iPhone on the move (not driving).
I just test drove the new GTI here in Dubai. Frankly, I was disappointed.
I respect most of the motoring press are raving about it, but I was left cold. Firstly, the looks. I think the current model is far prettier. The new car looks far too 'square'. It's lacking those smooth lines and curves of the existing model. The rear view is the best angle.
The interior looks over fussy, the steering wheel larger and not as chunky and sporty as the current version which I love. The finish feels less solid and plastic.
Steering feel is very light in comparison. Overly assisted in my opinion and not as weighted as the Mk 6. Car feels much lighter overall. Which it obviously is.
Engine noise is much improved and performance is more than decent. My remapped Mk 6 is quicker, but the new model remapped would be even quicker no question.
I went to the dealership yesterday with a view of upgrading. I won't. I'd rather go for the current R and remap it. Some decent deals on the R here at the moment including free insurance for one year and 5 years warranty.
I strongly suggest you test drive the Mk7 before committing.
Just my opinion of course.
:whistle: :rolleyes: :grin:
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Back to the whole "Test Drive" topic... South Hereford VW put their demo on the road yesterday.
The salesman that I spoke to on the phone didn't know anything about it other than it is a manual in Night Blue.
Demo GTI ?
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Yes.
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Do you have a 330d am1w? You've never mentioned that before :rolleyes: :laugh:
Funnily enough I do and funnily enough a BMW F30 M3 next year. :drool:
Great car, enjoy it. I prefer the M5 myself, the M3 has such a 'Essex' style about it these days unfortunately.
Maybe talk about it in a BMW forum though? Just a thought. :smiley:
I've never been to Essex, so I would not know. But they must be pretty well off to afford a £60k+ car and have good taste. :laugh:
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Do you have a 330d am1w? You've never mentioned that before :rolleyes: :laugh:
Funnily enough I do and funnily enough a BMW F30 M3 next year. :drool:
Great car, enjoy it. I prefer the M5 myself, the M3 has such a 'Essex' style about it these days unfortunately.
Maybe talk about it in a BMW forum though? Just a thought. :smiley:
I've never been to Essex, so I would not know. But they must be pretty well off to afford a near £60k car.
:rolleyes:
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Do you have a 330d am1w? You've never mentioned that before :rolleyes: :laugh:
Funnily enough I do and funnily enough a BMW F30 M3 next year. :drool:
Great car, enjoy it. I prefer the M5 myself, the M3 has such a 'Essex' style about it these days unfortunately.
Maybe talk about it in a BMW forum though? Just a thought. :smiley:
I've never been to Essex, so I would not know. But they must be pretty well off to afford a £60k+ car and have good taste. :laugh:
Go watch TOWIE and then report back on the taste bit.
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Do you have a 330d am1w? You've never mentioned that before :rolleyes: :laugh:
Funnily enough I do and funnily enough a BMW F30 M3 next year. :drool:
Great car, enjoy it. I prefer the M5 myself, the M3 has such a 'Essex' style about it these days unfortunately.
Maybe talk about it in a BMW forum though? Just a thought. :smiley:
I've never been to Essex, so I would not know. But they must be pretty well off to afford a £60k+ car and have good taste. :laugh:
Go watch TOWIE and then report back on the taste bit.
am1w - He's never been to Essex yeh Wright........get it Wright! He drives a white M3 Hot girlfriend though, but nothing to do with the CHAV M3 (it's the number plate :grin:) :wink:
Mark I mean not the bmw driver on the Golf GTI forum!
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I have no idea what any of that means. And don't try to explain, it really won't help with your previous post.
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According to my dealer (Pulman Sunderland) who has provided me with a build update today mirroring what VW UK told me yesterday, me and Chris (mcmaddy) are on a promise to get a view and a test drive in the Tornado Red GTI that Pulman Durham have, next week. :laugh: